“Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the time) brings a real erotic undertow to the love scenes, while Stroheim is terrific as the demonically sadistic writer trying to model her as one of his own creations.” Rotten Tomatoes
: The film is known for its opulent costumes designed by Adrian , including Garbo's notable peroxide blonde wig and striking "Cap without a lid". Critical Consensus As You Desire Me
The story follows a cabaret singer in Berlin, played by , who may be an amnesiac Italian countess named Maria. She is tracked down by a friend of Maria's husband, Bruno (Melvyn Douglas), and returns to an Italian villa to reclaim her life. “Garbo (sporting a peroxide wig some of the
: The film leaves it largely ambiguous whether she is truly the missing wife or a masterful imposter, a "Pirandellian mystery" that keeps viewers guessing. Performance and Style : The film leaves it largely ambiguous whether
: A central theme is that identity is an artificial construct; the heroine declares she will be whoever those around her believe her to be.
While some find the film "slow moving" or "creaky" by modern standards, it is still considered a "fascinating" piece of cinema for its "histrionic battle" between Garbo and von Stroheim. Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and NitrateVille.com suggest that while the plot may be "hokey," the star power and philosophical depth make it worth watching. Viewer Perspectives